Staff Training

22nd April - 5th May

Sunday the 22nd of April 2018 was quite a big day for us down the track at Camas, marking the arrival of four new volunteers joining us for the rest of the season. Kate has finally made it up from Bristol for longer than work week (hurray!); Gavin epicly cycled all the way from Craignure in the wind and rain carrying all his belongings with him; Kelsey has travelled across the globe from faraway Canada to be here; and we could not be happier that Doug Birley is following in the footsteps of his sisters Kitty and Jo to volunteer for a season. They join Lizzie, Róisín and me (Angela) to make a full volunteer team. Ready or not, two weeks of Camas training here we come.

We were thrown in at the deep end on day one by abseiling down the quarry then braving the wind, rain and cold sea in kayaks with the legendary and exceptionally talented Kenny from Sea Kayak Scotland - preparing us for our season of outdoor activities with groups of young people. The next couple of days were filled with fun, adventure and so much laughter - a good sign of everyone settling in and relaxing in our new Camas family. Fears of jumping off rocks into the sea were bravely conquered during coastearing training, a healthy dose of competitive spirit was to be had in our raft building teams, especially in the build up to the big race (see picture of press-up warm up), and it’s lucky we all quickly felt at ease with each other, just in time to try out how warm an emergency shelter gets with many bodies inside!

George Fell made a dramatic entrance after dark, bursting into the common room making little sense with talk of sea kayaks, before rushing back off into the night just a minute later, leaving us all wondering whether we had in fact imagined the whole thing. Lo and behold the next morning before breakfast, there he was to be seen arriving into the bay by sea kayak, leaving a trail of aspiring Camas sea kayakers in his wake. There was nothing imaginary about the excellently delivered and thoroughly enjoyable two days of training - no easy feat with some heavy first aid scenarios to cover.

Week two of training was more of an in house affair; we learnt all about the behind the scene workings that make the magic of Camas happen week in, week out for groups coming down the track all season. Highlights included a morning of games with good old Camas classics capture the flag, evolution, and ninja making appearances; beautiful sunshine for a day out on Iona; and an epic John Muir appearance leaving us in fits of laughter - if Rhyddian and Hannah are ever stuck for work someday they have their double act at the ready. We ended on a high by stepping across a rope together, marking our transition from the lives we’ve all left behind out there in the world to be the Camas team of 2018, followed by a good old dance party late into the night.

Big thank yous to Kenny Lacey and George Fell; and to Chris Long, Rachel McCann, Tess and Kerry who gave up their time to keep us exceptionally well fed for two weeks.

Oban Young Carers

10^th – 12^th April

Camas welcomed a group for two nights from just across on the mainland, the Oban Young Carers.  Fourteen young people aged between 9 and 11 years old, with caring responsibilities at home. 

The moment they spilled off the minibus, we knew it was going to be a fun few days.  Some had stayed at Camas previously, and were excited to be back, and some were making the journey down the track for the first time.  We also welcomed a returning stuffed Penguin called Innes, who had been to Camas before with his human. 

Bog jumping was high on the list of things hoped for, as was kayaking, and both of these things were achieved!  Despite the April chill, the sun was out, and some hardy souls ran into the sea at Market Bay.  No wellies were lost in bogs on the return trip from the beach, and neither was the Bog Monster provoked into making an appearance, despite there being lots of waterproofed, but juicy legs disappearing into the muddy depths!  

Meals were amazing, which was independently verified by our guests.  Staff member Hannah cooked the most delicious meal anyone had ever tasted on the Tuesday night, and the standard remained high throughout the stay. 

One group member was feeling ill, and needed a recovery snooze on the common room sofa, but was soon back up and out with the group kayaking, so we were all relieved that he was able to join in the fun.

Camas really pulled out all the stops with a morning display of dolphins remarkably close to us in the bay, which had everyone stop and stare. 

Games were played, meals were shared, sunshine was enjoyed and we very much hope that you’ll all come back again next year!

PS.  We have some new wheelbarrows!